Sadio Mané has delivered a blunt assessment of Al-Nassr’s campaign, describing the 2023–24 season as “really bad” following the club’s failure to secure any silverware.
Al-Nassr concluded their Saudi Pro League season with a 3-2 defeat to Al-Fateh on the final matchday, capping off a year of frustration and underachievement.
The Riyadh-based side, despite boasting high-profile talents and lofty ambitions, ended the league in third place and missed out on all domestic and continental titles.
The club’s shortcomings were evident across competitions.
Al-Nassr fell short in the Saudi Super Cup final, exited the King’s Cup prematurely, and were eliminated from the AFC Champions League Elite.
For a team that invested heavily in its squad, the campaign has been widely viewed as a disappointment.
Speaking in the aftermath of the final league fixture, Mané acknowledged the collective failure and emphasised the need for deep introspection across the club—from the boardroom to the pitch and into the stands.
“We need to rethink a lot of things to be a great team,” said the Senegal international. “It’s been a really bad season. And the fans? They didn’t support us enough. They need to reexamine themselves. The club, the fans, and the players all need to do some self-criticism.”
Mané’s remarks reflect a growing sense of urgency around Al-Nassr’s project, which has yet to translate off-field investment into on-field results.
While the forward did not shy away from criticising his own teammates and the club’s infrastructure, he also took aim at the fans, urging them to play a more active and positive role in supporting the team.
The 32-year-old’s candid comments underline the seriousness with which the club views its current standing.
With a star-studded squad that includes several international names, the expectations were far higher than what was ultimately delivered.
As Al-Nassr now look toward a summer of potential changes and renewed planning, Mané’s message serves as both a warning and a rallying cry.
The hope within the camp is that honest reflection will lead to meaningful improvement and a season that finally meets the club’s ambitions.
For now, though, Al-Nassr must come to terms with a season that failed to match the hype—a year summed up not by moments of glory, but by unfulfilled promise.
